We’re trying to lure more venture capitalists into my home state every day, but the idea that you get private equity companies to come in and, you know, take companies apart so they can make quick profits and then people lose their jobs, I don’t think that’s what America’s looking for. I hope that’s not what the Republican Party’s about."

A private equity firm is a company that collects money from investors, including pension funds, endowments and wealthy individuals, and uses that money to buy failing or undervalued companies. These leveraged buyouts can prevent workers from losing their jobs by restructuring companies to make them viable again, but can also turn a quick profit by selling off a company’s assets and terminating its work force.

Tom Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sharply criticized Gingrich and Perry yesterday morning in a press conference for his yearly “State of American Business” speech: “I think it's just been foolish for the Republicans to carry on that line of attack because they aren't doing anything but setting up the ad base for their opponent.” Chuck Wynn, a prominent South Carolina donor of Rick Perry’s, left the Governor’s camp because of negative television spots airing all over the state, which he said were like “fingernails on a chalk board.”

Mitt Romney’s campaign has responded to the attacks by highlighting companies like Staples and Sports Authority, Bain Capital acquisitions that expanded and created jobs under the firm’s stewardship. Meanwhile, the Republican backlash against his opponents only serves to remind voters that Romney is the most electable candidate in the field, and he this will be a central part of his message in the next week. Curtis Loftis, North Carolina’s state treasurer, articulates the voting logic that Romney hopes will make him a lock next Saturday for the primary and the nomination:

Voting is a clerical decision. You’ve got to make a choice. Either you come in first place or dead last. People love the newness of Cain, the spirit of Perry, the genius of Gingrich, but they know Romney is the only one who can win.”